The Bulls entertain Barnet on Saturday knowing that three points would lift them out of the bottom two.
The two sides have been regular combatants since the Bees were first promoted to the Football League 20 years ago. It took the Bees 12 trips to Edgar Street to register their first win, but they have now won two of their last three visits. Last time out Richard Rose scored in the first minute for the Bulls, but an Izale McLeod double let Paul Fairclough's men earn the points. Overall the Bulls have 13 wins to the Bees' eight, with seven draws, while 24 of the last 25 matches have produced at least two goals.
The Bulls' upturn in fortunes has come at the right time with a succession of fellow strugglers to face. After last week's win over Bradford they face the Bees then lowly Northampton in the space of four days, before travelling to a free-falling Torquay side next weekend. The addition of veteran Andy Todd to the backline last week provided a calming influence to an often nervous defence, and his ability to control the ball, think, and pass along the floor was a stark difference to the 'If in doubt...' mentality that had been displayed in some games.
The Bees saw four managers through the doors, and caretaker Guiliano Grazioli, as they battled to retain their League place last term. Current boss Lawrie Sanchez signed a permanent deal in May but has been eyeing up the Northern Ireland job, while his Bees have slid back into relegation danger. They halted a run of four straight League defeats with a win last week over an Aldershot team also sliding down the table, and will go into Saturday's game sweating over the fitness of striker Ricky Holmes. The ever-dangerous Izale McLeod already has ten goals this term from just 17 games, despite not scoring in the last five League matches.
Hereford United vs Barnet, Edgar Street, Saturday 21st October, 3.00pm.